The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1887-05-12
DIR. sage's catarrh Remedy surpasses all.
AT FREpERICKsRURG.
The Crossing OF WadswOrth's Division, OF the First
Corps, April 20, 1853.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: In his article
on the First Corps, Gen. Robinson says:
The third attempt was made by Hooker after he
had relieved Burnside in command of the army
The First, Third and Sixth Corps were on
the 18th OF April moved near the river about three
miles below Fredericksburg, where they biv-
ouacked that night IN a pouring rain. Two bridges
were laid at Fmnklin's old crossing and two others
some distance below. On the 18th the Sixth Corps
under SedgwiclS, crossed the river by the upper
bridges. aud Madswonhs Division Of the First
Corps by those below, etc.
Now. as one who was there wish TO give
my version of the affair, and believe all who
participated in it viii agree with me as to the
facts. On the 2Sth of April 1863, we (Wads-
.wOrths Division, Of the First Corps broke camp
81 Belle Plain, where we had CHARTERED during
the Winter, and moved toward the Rappahan-
mock River The march was slow and cautious,
and at nightfall we found ourselves some three
miles from the river, where we bivouacked for
the night in quite an extensive belt of timber
We were not permitted 10 build any fires, and
so lost the consultations Of a cup of hot coffee,
which almost every soldier had learned so much
TO prize; so, making our supper Of bareback
and raw pork diluted with water, we sought
rest on the ground preparatory to the areuou
duties which all expected on the morrow.
There was no rain that night, as i remember t.
but the sky was somewhat cloudy, and it was
naturally quite dark i'm The heavy timber In
train was rumbling past u.s. and we were told
the pontoniers were going TO lay bridges.
Early on the morning Of the 10Th we were
called into line and moved out into the plain,
where we lay within about mile of the river,
annoyed by occasional shots from rebel sharp
shooters or from those in the rile-pits on the
high bank south Of the river, until about 10
O'Clock, when we were ordered forward and
went sweeping down 10 the rivers bank under
sharp musketry fire from the enemy in the
rihe-pits. Arrived at the river we found the
pOntoons scattered along the bank, but no
bridges; and without any hesitation or waiting
for orders the boys broke up into squads. showed
the large wooden pontoons into the stream and
proceeded TO paddle across under CALLING fire
from the enemy on the other bank. Several
comrades, with myself took possession Of the
boat nearest as, and showing il into the water
scrambled IN, and were just in the act Of casting
on when Gen. Wadsworth came up, leading his
large white horse, and, stepping into the boat
said: " Boys, guess I'll 20 with you" With
choer we immediately showed out into the
stream and padded for the opposite bank the
Johnnles meantime making il as hot for US as
IL was possible for them 10 do
Several bullets perforated the bottom Of our
boat, causing leaks, but doing no further dam
age not man being hit, and on reaching the
shore we were soon on terra-frma and making
our way with Wild hurrahs up the steep hill.
which was soon scaled and the rife-pits with
many Of the enemy were captured aud a foot
hold secured on the south bank Of the river
few OF the Johnnies got away; some were
killed and wounded while trying 10 make their
escape, but the most Of those who had been de-
Tending the rife-pits fell into our hands. Soon
after the crossing had been accomplished by
Gen. Madsworth's Division and the approaches
to the river secured, the engineers were brought
forward and two pontoon bridges laid, when
the artillery and the remainder Of the troops
crossed and were assigned positions on the line.
lhe above are facts that cannot be gainsaid.
DO not profess 10 know the particulars Of the
crossing OF the Sixth Corps (Sedgwick's) fur
ther up the river; whether il crossed on bridges
or otherwise. Members Of that corps can an-
s"er Tor ~ but as TO the crossing of Gen. Wads-
worth's Division, know whereof write Fur
ther, do not write this in any spirit OF envy
or braggadocio, but merely 30 get at the truth
and the facts in the case, which, think, ought
10 be the aim and object Of every writer. ON
this subject i would like 10 hear from other
members Of the old Iron Brigade, or of any
other brigade of the First Division, First Corns.
OF lo63.-M. III. CHURCH, Co. q, Cd Wis, aud
90. q, 9th Wis., Washington, ID, G.